NEWMARKET, Ontario — After 19 consecutive years presenting a live Nativity pageant, the Church will receive an Ambassador Award from the town of Newmarket, located just north of Toronto.
Beginning as a small production in the Newmarket Ward parking lot, the pageant has grown into a partnership with the town. The pageant became a community project when it was moved to a local cultural park after the first year. Now a tradition, the event has residents looking forward to its seven performance on four nights. More than 100,000 people have attended over the years.
The award commemorates the 125th anniversary of Newmarket and is being given to 125 individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding volunteer community service.
Local and provincial politicians and other members of the community have participated as cast members, many returning year after year to take part.
Those who have seen the pageant speak with enthusiasm about their experience. Ian McDougall, manager of marketing, special events and culture for the town, said about last year's production: "Between corralling my two-year-old twin boys from trying to break free to feed the sheep by the manger, I paid close attention to the audience. It is too bad that the cast and all the dedicated volunteers behind the stage can't watch the faces of the children in the audience, the parents explaining what is happening or the production's ability to capture the attention of the casual walkers along the path."
Councilor Pam McDonald said she appreciated having "the opportunity to be part of the pageant. Watching the 7 p.m. performance and then participating in the 8 p.m. performance gave a special meaning to my Christmas."
The pageant has opened other opportunities for the Church to participate at the municipal level, including the Adopt a Highway program and hosting an emergency preparedness exhibition.
This year the pageant has expanded to include a replicated journey through Bethlehem.
"In the rush of the Christmas season, the sights and sounds are joyful and occasionally overwhelming," said JoAnne Anderson, chairwoman of the Nativity event committee. "The Newmarket Ward offers an opportunity for the community to remember the real meaning of Christmas."